Starting any new business is stressful enough without having to worry about your energy! However, if you don’t sign a new electricity and gas contract, you are almost certainly going to be on high ‘out of contract’ or ‘deemed’ contract prices. Considering that these prices can cost the average business over £2500 more than being in contract per annum, not finding a new supplier could become a very costly business!
Even if you move into an empty property, it doesn’t mean that the electricity has been disconnected, and if it hasn’t, someone has to pay for it.
We have compiled an easy to understand, four step guide to ensuring you are not stuck in a deal you don’t want.
- Agree a cut-off point
When you sign the lease or buy the property, be sure that the contract includes provision for utility bills, including the meter reading at the time of handover. This will ensure you are not liable to pay for electricity you did not use.
- Use our comparison calculator to compare the best suppliers
When you start a new business, you will need to agree to a new contract as soon as possible to prevent having to pay inflated ‘out of contract’ rates. Our calculator makes it simple to get a comparison, compare all rates and terms in black and white, and contract online! In fact, because we know how busy you are, we’ve made sure you can do the entire process, from start to finish in as little as five minutes. We also ensure that the transfer is completely seamless and hassle free.
- Apply for Contract Manager
During the process, ensure you select the Contract Manager box, and you can be assured that our Contract Manager will act as your broker and ensure you are able to find the best deal again when your new contract is up. The Contract Manager also ensures you are sent regular energy tips to further reduce your energy bills, and exclusive discounts for utilities and energy products.
- Dealing with Telesales
As a new business, you are bound to hear from various telesales agencies using scare tactics, and promising you the ‘best deal’. It is highly likely that by agreeing to these contracts you are locking yourself into an unfavourable deal for up to five years. A verbal contract is legally binding and if you unwittingly enter into a contract, you could be tied in for up to five years at unfavourable rates! The easiest way to deal with these ‘cold callers’ is to clearly inform them that you have recently entered into a long term contract with a supplier that you can not get out of, and that you already have a broker that will deal with your renewal when your contract comes up for renewal.
If you still have any questions regarding this, or are looking for advice to pass onto your staff dealing with telesales people, take a look at our “Dealing with Cold Callers” article.